Dear Editor,
One of the missing ingredients in most published exchanges is a ‘sense of humour’. Irrelevantly perhaps, some commentators contrast this with a ‘sense of rumour’. One does not necessarily have to agree with these ‘puns’; but it is in such a context it sometimes become necessary to bemoan the impulsive insistence on scoring points (if not in fact GOALS). Why would not some readers see the light-heartedness in the reference to ‘a hungry public’? How does the contestation of such a harmless comment add value to the intended rebuff to what was but a summarised perspective of a very laudable initiative, which is exactly what GOAL is. A more objective protest would have recognised the need for the formulation of a comprehensive strategy, relating more particularly to prospective professionals, that would be a sustaining incentive towards the achievement of individual career ‘goals’ and ambitions. The latter would very likely be amongst the readers who wonder how could there be a cogent objection to such a proposal, bearing in mind that the whole exercise constitutes a substantive learning experience for all – across Regions. Or would it? But hopefully some programmes would treat with the capacity to understand different perspectives – inherent in the process of being educated. But the time for quibbling is long past. Already attention needs to be given to:
i) How to monitor the upcoming 6 months programmes – 33 in all
ii) How to reward the successes
iii) How to address the feelings of the failures
In brief there has to be accountability – for the outcomes will have implications (including psycho-social ones) for those undertaking the longer and more professional programmes. The Ministry concerned must understand that this is a motivational, as well as a financial investment, that will send messages to be interpreted by employers (public and private), and of course the self-employed/small entrepreneurs. So now this fundamental human resources development initiative must be regarded as a substantive commitment, not only to the awardees, but also to their families and indeed to communities who will be witnesses. For relevance the following is a sample of the ‘Certificate’ courses being undertaken over the six month period:
Disaster Management
Craft and Design (Pottery)
Food and Nutrition
Primary Teaching
Primary School Mathematics
Tourism Studies
Customer Service
Early Childhood Health and Family Education
Event Management
Fundamentals of Facilities Management
Garment Construction
Human Resources Management
Photography
Joinery and Cabinet Making
Project Management
Procurement
They should constitute an interesting test of how to manage and report to all concerned on the longer programmes. Accountability is key, if only for the reason that the productivity of international institutions is implicated.
Sincerely,
E.B. John
